McIlroy has no regrets about pulling out of Rio Games

British golfer Rory McIlroy sits ringside several fights before Anthony Joshua fights U.S. boxer Dominic Breazeale in an IBF heavyweight title bout at the O2 Arena in London, Saturday, June 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
(The Associated Press)

Rory McIlroy has no regrets about deciding not to go to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics because of concerns over the Zika virus, saying Olympic golf is not the "pinnacle" of the sport compared to playing in majors.

Last week, McIlroy became one of the most high-profile sports stars to opt out of the Rio Games.

The 27-year-old Northern Irishman said this month that he and fiancee Erica Stoll may consider starting a family within a couple of years. Zika is a mosquito-borne virus which has been linked to severe birth defects and possible neurological problems in adults.

Speaking Wednesday ahead of the Open de France, McIlroy said "I have four Olympic Games (major championships) a year. That's my pinnacle. That's what I play for."